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FEMA Announces FY 2026 Funding Opportunities for FIFA World Cup and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Notices of Funding Opportunity for the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program and the FIFA World Cup Grant Program. The programs aim to provide $625 million and $500 million respectively to communities across the country to enhance security and safety for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and combat the unlawful use of drones. This funding will be used to carry out critical security preparations, training, and exercises to ensure the safety of players, staff, and attendees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FIFA World Cup Grant Program will provide $625 million to 11 cities hosting games in 2026 to carry out critical security preparations, training, and exercises.
  • The C-UAS Grant Program will provide $500 million to communities across the country over two fiscal years to combat the unlawful use of drones that endanger the safety, security, and lives of the American people.
  • DHS will award $250 million to nine states and the National Capital Region hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 and America 250 national events in FY 2026.
  • The remaining $250 million from the C-UAS Grant Program will be distributed in FY 2027 to all 56 states and territories with an expanded focus on building national detection and response capacity.
  • The FY 2026 C-UAS Grant Program and FY 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program application periods open on October 28, 2025, and will close on December 5, 2025.
  • Both programs were established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. 119-21) and signed into law by President Trump in July 2025.
  • States can use this funding to carry out staff background checks, cybersecurity defenses, and increased police and emergency response for FIFA venues, hotels, and transportation hubs.

Statistics:

  • $625 million: Funding allocated to 11 cities hosting FIFA World Cup games in 2026 for critical security preparations and activities.
  • $500 million: Funding provided by the C-UAS Grant Program to combat the unlawful use of drones over two fiscal years.
  • $250 million: Funding awarded to nine states and the National Capital Region hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 and America 250 national events in FY 2026.
  • $250 million: Funding to be distributed in FY 2027 to all 56 states and territories for building national detection and response capacity.
  • October 28, 2025: Start date of the FY 2026 C-UAS Grant Program and FY 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program application periods.
  • December 5, 2025: End date of the FY 2026 C-UAS Grant Program and FY 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program application periods.

Sources:

  • FEMA: FY 2026 Notices of Funding Opportunity for the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program and the FIFA World Cup Grant Program
  • One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. 119-21)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

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